I’ve lived in New Zealand but made it only as far West as Sydney and Canberra. I wanted to make it the West coast to surf but never got the time. Always hoped the locals were a little more friendly over there than the Dee Why and Narrabeen area.

No, Shane; it's highly unlikely. There apparently was only one Australian in the past who posted here, using dajlc. He hasn't posted in about three years, but had a few about four years ago. Not likely that it would be of any real interest to you, but his posts can be read by searching dajlc from 4-5 years ago(he also listed his email address in his page).